Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 450, Section 59: Old Zhu's Final Battle - The Opening of the Legendary Land

The battle at Canyang Pass had already reached a fever pitch.

From the moment the first mantis stepped onto the city wall, the battle evolved into a bloody death struggle, much like the great cycle that had occurred every hundred years over the past ten thousand years.

However, unlike any previous war, the pressure faced by Canyang Pass this time is more than ten or a hundred times greater than before.

Within the first hour of the battle, the gates of Canyang Pass were smashed by the terror insect elder "Lai Gong". General Yang personally led the elite Black-Clad Guards and the assassin masters of the Jade Lotus Gang to fight the giant insect until they ran out of ammunition and food before finally killing it.

In the fourth hour, the Mantis broke through the defenses of the Flying Dragon Knights and destroyed the Sunset Pass garrison camp with its demonic energy bombs, wiping out all the wounded and soldiers.

In the ninth hour, the garrison at the Great Wall of Four Winds Valley finally arrived.

At this time, only one-third of the Black-Clad Guards, including General Yang, remained. The first batch of seventeen ninja masters and hundreds of jade puppeteers from the Jade Lotus Gang were all wiped out.

It was the seventeenth hour of the Mantis Demon's siege. Zhu Talan and the masters of the Shadow Sect finally rode their flying dragons to the pass. However, upon landing, even though Zhu Talan had experienced countless battles in his life, he was still shocked by the tragic state of Canyang Pass.

How exaggerated are the battles here?
Even Madam Guo Ya, the leader of the Jade Lotus Gang, the legendary "Jade-Faced Fox" who was said to be powerless, was wielding a Seven-Star Amber Knife and fighting enemies on the city wall.

Her bodyguard, Mr. Chu, was surrounded by a mountain of mantis demon corpses.

Upon seeing Zhu Talan approach, the usually refined and gentle "Jade-Faced Fox" Madam Guo Ya abandoned her usual feigned politeness. Holding her injured cousin Guo Su in her arms, she reprimanded her in a hoarse voice:
"My Jade Lotus Gang has staked all its elite forces on this battle, and this war has cost me at least sixty years of strategic preparation! You surnamed Zhu, if you can't do what you promised us, then just wait for the Jade Lotus Gang, filled with disappointment, to turn Pandaria upside down."

"Don't worry, I wish that person will keep their word!"

Sect Leader Zhu didn't actually like the Jade Lotus Gang, a force that walked between darkness and light, but looking at the fragments of the Jade Golems scattered all over the city walls and the corpses of those black-clad gang members, he had to admit that without the Jade Lotus Gang, Canyang Pass would not have been able to be defended today.

He tossed his secret-recipe healing wine to Madam Guo Ya, then strode toward General Yang, who was resting with his eyes closed on the other side.

The latter was Pandaria's most famous archer, but he was no longer able to draw his bow.

His left arm was mostly cut off by a mantis demon, and the famous "Ancient War Bow" was lying to the side, apparently used by Old Yang to strangle the mantis demon that attacked him.

The old panda man leaned on a Azure Dragon Battle Blade, his murderous aura so chilling that even Old Chen felt a chill.

You're too late!

Old Yang said with his eyes closed:
"My men are almost all dead, Zhu Talan! If you don't give me an explanation, then I'll give you an explanation when I've recovered from this."

Sect Leader Zhu stepped forward and recounted what had happened on Thunder God Island.

When General Yang, who was barely clinging to life, heard that the Pandaren and Mogu had reached their first-ever diplomatic agreement, he was so shocked that his eyes widened.

But then, upon hearing that the four celestial beings were gathered outside the Gate of the Celestials, preparing to open the Valley of Brocade, the old general leaped up, leaning on his battle sword, and roared:
"No! What have we Black Guards been doing for generations, hiding our identities and guarding Canyang Pass? Zhu Talan, don't you know what's hidden in this golden valley?"

No outsiders are allowed in!
We must not let outsiders disturb the Pool of Pandaria!
We must not allow outsiders to disturb the heart of the evil spirit!

Yes.

The existence of the Vale of Eternal Blossoms has never been a secret to the Shado-Pan and the Black Guard leadership. The Four Celestials knew, and so did they. Erasing the Vale of Eternal Blossoms from the history of the Pandaren was one of the contents of Emperor Shaohao's will.

They all knew what was hidden in the Valley of Eternal Blossoms, so they preferred to let this beautiful valley be forgotten for ten thousand years rather than allow any wandering scholars to try to find it.

Zhu Talan knew that the Heart of the Demon was in the valley, but he didn't know exactly where it was. However, it was clear that the thing could not be touched by mortals.

As for the "Pandaria Pool" that General Yang mentioned, it refers to the common source of all water sources in Pandaria. It is a mysterious pool of energy, and it is because of it that the land of the Valley of the Four Winds is so fertile that it yields a harvest every day.

From a strategic perspective, guarding the Pools of Pandaria is far more important than hiding the Heart of Sha, since if the food supply in the Valley of the Four Winds were to go wrong, the Pandaren would definitely be in an uproar.

The fact that they were able to hold out for 10,000 years under the pressure of the Mogu and Mantid means that food was of paramount importance in the Valley of the Four Winds. It was precisely because the Pandaren had no shortage of food that they were able to establish and maintain a large alliance that included the Hozan, Yawmin, and Jinyu.

Those friendly races were almost all raised by the Pandaren.

"Sit down and don't move."

Zhu Talan pressed Old Yang back to the ground, healing him with the true energy of the Sun Fist while saying:

"The Vigilant is about to enter the Vale of Eternal Blossoms. He promises us that he will permanently remove the Heart of Sha for us, and that the Pools of Pandaria will never be corrupted."

You should rest.

I've brought men; we'll take over the defense of Canyang Pass from now on.

"No, I can still fight! This is my city wall, I'm not dead yet."

The old panda was very stubborn.

He said to Zhu Talan:

"Everyone else stay here, you go and help! Zhu Talan, this is our Pandaren's duty, how can you entrust it to a stranger, even if he is trustworthy, you can't do it!"

Our friends' strength is not a reason for us to abandon our responsibilities.
Let me tell you, the reason why the Battle of Canyang Pass was so fierce was because the mantis demons wanted to lure all the troops on the city wall to the city, creating an opportunity for their heroes.

They are already searching for that dark heart; perhaps they have already found it.

The opening of the Gate of the Gods requires a ritual to unseal it, which can't be done in just a few hours. But you're here now, so go and stop them! Even if you can't defeat them, you must buy them time. You must fulfill your duty.

"Does Diakum have to open that door to get in?"

Old Chen couldn't help but ask:
"The Lightforged have spaceships; they can certainly do it."

"No, that barrier is part of the mist barrier left behind by Emperor Shaohao."

Rong Nu, a hunting master of the Shadow Phantom School, explained:
"It won't stop us and the Mantid, because we are part of Pandaria, but outsiders are not allowed to get close. The Vigilant might be able to break the barrier, but it's really hard to say what kind of impact it would have on the Vale of Eternal Blossoms."

We must proceed with caution now.

General Yang is right, Sect Leader. We cannot pretend we bear no responsibility in this matter just because of the noble promises of the vigilant! This is our continent, our homeland!
We must bleed for it, we must sacrifice for it.

Master Xue Liu and I will stay here, while Tao Shi and the other masters will stay to help us. Once the Gate of the Gods opens, those powerful Lightforgers will also assist us in guarding Sunset Pass. Therefore, the task of pursuing the Mantis Hero is entrusted to you.”

"Send him alone to chase after seven demigod heroes enhanced by demonic energy? Isn't that sending him to his death?"

Old Chen shook his head and said:
“I will go with Master Zhu. If this is the mission of the Pandaren, then the monks of the Temple of Five Dawns will definitely not be absent!”

"And us."

Having fought alongside the Minotaur for some time, Cairne Bloodhoof and Hamuul Runetotem, who came along today, also stepped forward without hesitation.

"Thank you all for taking care of me during this time. The food in Pandaria is so nourishing! Look how much weight I've gained. I really need to get some exercise."

Kane laughed heartily, and the minotaur, leaning on his rune-inlaid halberd, shouted:
"The Mantids have harmed many Minotaur. If I can defeat the Champions, my rude distant relatives will respect me more. So, I suppose this can be considered part of Minotaur diplomacy."

"A bunch of idiots are still standing here dumbfounded?"

Just as everyone was about to set off, the Monkey King's shouts and curses came on the wind:
"Come quick! I've found those mantis demons! These guys are digging in the mine. There's a really powerful temple down there, and it's a real pain. They've all become incredibly strong. We need some help!"

"No time to say more, let's go!"

Zhu Talan summoned the Xianglong, and together with the others, they rode towards the Monkey King's location.

But as soon as they entered the mist that enveloped the Vale of Eternal Blossoms, Kane and Hamuul immediately felt a sense of "repulsion"; the mist certainly did not welcome them.

Master Rongnu was not lying; before the Gate of the Gods opened, it was extremely difficult for outsiders to move about in the Valley of Brocade.

"Fortunately, it shouldn't affect the battle, it will just make us lose our way."

Hamuer, transformed into a fiery eagle with bull horns, shouted loudly through the increasingly thick fog:

"Kane, you and Sect Leader Zhu ride together; I will follow shortly."

Before the Archdruid could finish speaking, he vanished into the mist, causing Kane some anxiety. However, Zhu Talan pulled him onto his flying dragon, and Old Zhu whispered:
"Don't worry, at worst he'll be driven out; this fog won't hurt anyone."

"what!"

Before Master Zhu could finish speaking, Hamuer's roar came from somewhere, as if he had been attacked by something dangerous.

Old Chen and Kane both looked at him in astonishment.

The master swordsman Zhu Talan coughed awkwardly a few times, then changed the subject and whispered:
"Of course, some things in the mist are not so 'friendly'. I heard that a strange dragon called 'Alani' patrols in the mist. It was one of the dragon companions that Emperor Shaohao once tamed, and it has been protecting this land for him since his death."

But don't worry, Alani, which is said to be 'protected from wind and rain, and impervious to swords and spears,' only means that no one is allowed to fly in the sky; the ground is still safe."

At the same time, Hamuul Runetotem had already landed on the ground.

He truly lives up to his reputation as a Grand Druid; his reactions are incredibly fast!

Upon seeing a ferocious, crimson dragon appear in the clouds, he shuddered and swiftly flew downwards, using natural magic in mid-air to dissipate his aura, barely managing to evade the dragon's pursuit.

The opponent's aura was unstable, and it seemed to be injured. It was probably done by those mantis demon heroes! This also explains why the Xianglong, a "auspicious beast" that should be peaceful, was so violent.

The problem now is that Hamuul is still trapped in the fog after landing, and he has no way to find his way, let alone help intercept the Mantis Heroes.

Moreover, the natural forces of this golden valley are also "magical," and there seems to be something in the dream world that is interfering with Hamuul's ability to enter and pass through it.

Just as the Archdruid was getting so anxious that he was jumping up and down on the spot like the Monkey King, scratching his ears and cheeks, he suddenly heard a strange sound from the side. When he turned around, he saw a Shadowfly hiding in the grass, staring at the "barbecue beef man" with a look of eye-spotting interest.

"It's you!"

Hamuul had seen the shadow worm.

Moreover, being a druid, it could distinguish the scents of these insects, and thus called out:
"You're here, which means the Shadow Chasers are here too, right? Take me to see your master."

The springtail did not respond; it turned and rushed out, disappearing into the mist.

A moment later, a familiar figure appeared in the dense fog where visibility was less than a meter. General Staghelm was leaning on a scythe-shaped Sha weapon and carrying his Qiraji Slayer sword on his back. Under his hood, he looked at the innocent-looking Hamuul Runetotem with a serious expression and a strange look in his eyes.

Shadow Hunters are generally ruthless and taciturn, and Staghelm didn't bother to ask how this guy got here.

In the current situation, regardless of why Hamuul Runetotem came, he is an important fighting force. Moreover, this guy is his father's "junior brother". Although he is not half his age, he is still an elder and a true "one of our own".

"We are preparing to ambush the Mantid heroes who are digging for the Heart of Darkness. If that's what you've come for, then come along."

General Deer Helmet waved his hand and said:
"I'm warning you beforehand that those heroes have been infused with malevolent energy, and each of them is extremely dangerous. If you get involved, you could die at any moment."

"Ha, if it were a simple matter, would we even need to do it?"

Hamuer scratched his waist and wagged his tail, saying:
"Besides, we're already here. If we run back now, won't your old man beat us to death? If he finds out that I let his son do dangerous things without helping him, I probably won't be able to set foot in his den in Mount Hyjal for the rest of my life."

"."

General Staghelm glanced at Hamuul, who was adopting an "elderly demeanor," and sighed:

"You're not even as old as my daughter, Tauren. Forget it, come with me. You'll see some secrets about the Shadow Swarm in a bit. I advise you to keep your mouth shut."

The Lightforged do not want news about the Shadowchaser swarm to spread widely.

"I understand, it's to avoid offending those in positions of authority."

Hamuul even learned some idioms from the Pandaren. His refined manner made Staghelm roll his eyes under his hood. He was truly exasperated with these druids. What kind of time was this to be showing off their literary skills?

If you like idioms so much, why don't you go and follow that idiot Kang Zu?

Hamuul found the "organization" and followed Staghelm through the mist, quickly arriving at the Shadowhunters' temporary camp.

They were on a hillside, observing the mine below.

Kaz'tik, one of the Mantid heroes, piloted his insectoid partner "Korvor" as a "biological excavator," and in the past dozen hours, he has dug a tunnel leading directly underground.

Because these heroes are all "Shadow Spirit Pillars", the fog around them is dispelled, allowing the Shadow Hunters to see what's below.

"They seem to be fighting something."

Hamuer reached out and placed his hand on the ground to feel it, and whispered:

"Right down there, a series of loud noises are coming from. They left behind their tainted followers to block the path to the underground. The Heart of Darkness might be there. What should we do?"

"Charge in! Buy time or take them out."

General Deer Helmet said in a cold tone.

Following his gaze, Hamuul Runetotem quickly saw the Shadow Hunters continuously summoning elite Shadow Swarms from the Sea of ​​Darkness.

There were no Zerglings or Hydralisks, only warriors and assassins, elite warriors skilled in combat, and even two "Hive Tyrants" transformed from Mantis heroes.

One of them had six insect limbs like a spider, and each black insect limb had a black entropy energy scalpel at the tip. Including its original two insect claws, it had eight hands.

The other one has only four hands, but no claws. Instead, it has some kind of chitinous, cannon-like biological structure. This creature also has three sharp "sonic horns" on top of its dragon-shaped head, which can fire deadly sonic waves at close range.

This is clearly a Zerg tyrant that excels at ranged attacks.

“Slicing Tyrant Ricard, Overlord Guardian Hissek.”

General Deer Helmet introduced in a low voice:
"They are our assistants, and also the vanguard sent by the Sovereign to help. They will be responsible for keeping a few heroes occupied, while we will be responsible for providing support."

Before he could finish speaking, with a roar that seemed to come from the sky, Sect Leader Zhu Talan, wielding the Dragon Staff, crashed down like a tiger, killing two Fiendish Mantis Warriors upon landing. Following closely behind, Old Chen also swung the Dawn Staff and unleashed the Holy Flame Azure Dragon Wave.

Compared to those two, Cairne Bloodhoof was much more unassuming.

With his halberd in hand, Old Niu swiftly cut down several enemies, carving a bloody path. So fast that General Lu Helmet didn't even have time to stop them, and the three of them charged into the pit.

"Snapped"

General Deer Helmet, who was still assigning tasks, covered his eyes with his hands.

He sighed and said:

"Fine, let them be the vanguard. Shadowhunters, attack with me! The Lightforgers will arrive soon. To prevent Pandaria from falling into the hands of true darkness, let us fulfill our oath to protect the light in the shadows today."

------

"Can't they be faster?"

Deep in the southern mountains of Kun-Lai Summit, before a massive golden city gate, Yrel stamped his hooves impatiently and complained to Marad and Noobdon beside him:
"Emperor Shaohao! You know this place is important, so why set up such a complicated 'opening spell'? Look, the mantis demon could find the Heart of Darkness at any moment, and we're wasting our time here."

"Be more composed."

Lyran reached out and tapped the Command Helmet on Yrel's head. The artifact from Thor surged with electricity when struck, giving it a rather majestic appearance.

"Yes, the fact that the vigilant isn't in a hurry shows that he was prepared."

Iredas also offered his advice:

"Besides, our mission is to rescue Sunset Pass! The Heart of Darkness will be handled by the Vigilantes; it is the source of the evil energy, not something dangerous that we can approach right now."

The vigilant person does not appear anxious on the surface.

But the frequency with which his fingers twirled the light-sculpted rosary increased. Gazing at the scene of the four celestial beings casting spells to open the gate before him, Diakum took a deep breath and said:

"I will go alone in a while. You take the warriors to Sunset Pass. Anvina's attack on Klaxxivis is in its final moments. This will be the last great cycle of the Mantis in ten thousand years."

The intensity of the battle will continue in an extremely frenzied manner until the very last moment.

"You have passed the Seven Fiends Trials, but the Sub-Fiends is a different concept altogether."

Saloras said with some concern:

"Are you sure you don't need me to come along? Perhaps my spiritual power can help."

"Sister, you should have some self-awareness. We were almost mentally broken when we encountered the 'Doubtful Fiend'."

Aurecis shook her head and said:
“We’ll just head straight for Sunset Pass! It’s precisely because Y’Shaarj’s control over the mind is a different concept that we can’t interfere with Commander Diakum’s battle. However, we can give him our research data.”

"Ah."

Saloras took a small notebook from her pocket and handed it to Diakum, explaining:

"This is our sisters' research and speculation on the nature of evil energy; you might find it useful."

The vigilant took it, opened it, and looked at it. Then, with great interest, he said:

"So, do you really believe that there is a second solution to the 'evil power' besides 'removal'?"

"We can't be sure, this is just speculation."

Saloras said:
"But the Mogu have created the Peace Bell, and you have it in your possession, so we think you might want to give it a try when you face Y'Shaarj later."

When we followed Xerath, the Mother of Light always said that there is no invincible power in the universe, and even Sargeras had weaknesses.

Mutual checks and balances are one of the essential characteristics of the six fundamental forces.

According to this theory, the power of evil must also have its own unique solution. Perhaps you can solve this problem at its root.

"Look, the gates are open! Let's go! Let the Dark Ages of Pandaria end today!"

(End of this chapter)